Bus Company Slammed over Missing Drivers

1.49.19pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 23rd Oct 2006

A new bus operator, Travel London, which took over the 68 Kew to Hampton Court bus franchise two years ago, has been slammed by Vincent Cable MP for repeatedly leaving residents stranded at its stopping area in Teddington. Passengers frequently have to wait long periods - 30 minutes is not uncommon - because relief drivers have not turned up and this appears to be because the company has insufficient capacity to carry its drivers to and from their garage.

Vincent Cable has asked for an investigation and has contacted Transport for London - which gave the franchise to Travel London - and the company to try to sort out the problems. He said: "The system of franchising generally works pretty well in London. But from time to time operators win the right to run routes and have not thought through the complex issues involved in getting the right stuff to the right place at the right time. I am told that the No 68 is particularly blighted by long stoppages in Teddington because the operator can't get staff to the stop on time.